Black Walnut Bakery Café (London, ON)

Newly opened on Richmond Row, Black Walnut Bakery Café has become my new go-to for off campus studying.

When I went here the first time I had an excellent experience. Super friendly and enthusiastic service, a nice homey atmosphere, and delicious homemade baked goods galore.

With several more visits in tow, I feel its time to deliver another review of this location.

Service

Eachtime I go here, I feel like I am being greeted by friendly acquaintances of mine. When I make a customized order they are genuinely interested in how it turned out (such as my rather unsuccessful green tea london fog with a shot of vanilla).

I usually like to include at least one shortcoming or a general area they could improve but I honestly can’t think of a single thing.

They are lightning fast, super friendly, and go over the top to make your visit an absolute pleasure.

Atmosphere

Inmy article for the Western Gazette, I described Black Walnut as being a homey alternative to Starbucks and an excellent new study location (despite the relatively early closing time).

The past few visits have all been unique in some way. While there are certainly always students about with books and laptops, the crowd has a lot of diversity.

Lunch time is often met with an older crowd, who fill the café with conversation. The late afternoon, such as now when I write this at 3:30PM on a Wednesday, has few people sitting down, providing a quieter atmosphere that is perfect for studying (or writing in a blog).

Tables are abundant but can fill quickly during the busiest times of the day (lunch time and after work). There is also an outdoor patio that you should get good use out of while the weather stays warm.

There is always nice music playing in the background, adding to the relaxing atmosphere of the café.

The downside to picking Black Walnut as a study location is the lone outlet. Unless you are lucky enough to nab one of the two plugs, you’ll find yourself leaving as soon as your laptop dies.

Food & Drink

Pumpkin Spice Cruffin ($3): A muffin-shaped croissant with a creamy pumpkin spice filling that doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds. Much like the rest of their dishes, the sweet flavour did not overwhelm the pastry. Best eaten cut in half and with plenty of napkins.

Raspberry Chocolate Scone: This is one of the first times I’ve been able to finish a scone without needing a drink from it being too dry.

Quiches ($6.50): Light fluffy quiche served hot with the perfect amount of fillings and a pastry crust that melts in your mouth. I’ve had Ham and Mushroom, and Mushroom and Zucchini, both were fantastic.

Mushroom and Zucchini Quiche

Customized London Fog 12oz ($3.35): They were out of earl grey and the server recommended getting it with green tea and a shot of peppermint. It was amazing. I finished it faster than I intended and it took every ounce of self control not to buy another.

Conclusions

Price: 5/5: Given everything is homemade and quite filling, the prices are very reasonable and you can get a filling meal or large snack for under $10.

Service: 5/5: Over the top amazing, no complaints.

Atmosphere: 4.5/5: Homey atmosphere that is great for studying that is only too loud at the busiest times of day. More outlets would be very beneficial.

Food & Drink: 4.5/5: Homemade baked goodsmade to perfection and amazing light meals. I would need to try more of their light meal options before raising this to a definite 5/5.

Overall: 4.5/5: Close to perfection. An amazing café that will keep you coming back for more. Perhaps my obsession with coming here to study has made me biased, but I have yet to hear a single serious complaint from anyone.